US-Iran tensions spike: Washington issues 'worldwide caution'; Tehran says response to American strikes will be 'proportionate'
The United States has issued a sweeping global security alert for its citizens following its military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The State Department warned of potential reprisals against Americans, and ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic staff from Lebanon, while also issuing specific advisories for Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
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The US missile strikes which President Donald Trump claimed had 'completely and fully obliterated' Iran's nuclear facilities have provoked fierce threats from Tehran, which has vowed a 'proportionate response' at a time and place of its choosing. With Israeli air raids continuing deep into Iranian territory and Tehran's Revolutionary Guard launching retaliatory missile attacks, fears of a prolonged confrontation have grown.
Iran has signalled that US military bases and regional allies could be targeted if used in attacks against it. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's advisor Ali Akbar Velayati warned that 'any country used by the US to strike Iran will be a legitimate target for our armed forces.'
Global alert: Exercise increased caution
'The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,' the alert read. In light of 'disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,' and the potential for demonstrations against US citizens, travellers were urged to consult the most recent travel advisories and country-specific information.
The warning directs citizens to visit the Department's website for up-to-date guidance and security alerts.
Türkiye: Avoid Southeast, maintain low profile
The US Embassy in Türkiye has cautioned its personnel to avoid the consular district of Adana in the country's southeast, encompassing 22 provinces. 'Negative sentiment toward US foreign policy may prompt actions against US or Western interests,' the alert said, citing risks of demonstrations, graffiti, boycotts and anti-American rhetoric.
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Americans in Türkiye were advised to avoid protest areas, monitor local media, and 'exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States or Israel or frequented by Westerners.'
Lebanon: Non-essential staff ordered to depart
In Beirut, the State Department on ordered the departure of non-emergency government staff and family members due to a 'volatile and unpredictable security situation.' While flights remain operational at Rafic Hariri International Airport, the embassy noted that 'some airlines have suspended or cancelled flights,' urging citizens to monitor news updates and leave while commercial options are still available.
'We remind US citizens to continue to exercise caution,' the embassy said, stressing the uncertain and rapidly evolving nature of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia: Avoid military sites
The US Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a separate advisory warning American citizens and its own staff to 'limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.' The alert acknowledged the fluid situation following Israel's military campaign and the US strikes, urging Americans to prepare personal emergency plans and review existing travel arrangements.
'Crises can happen unexpectedly while travelling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios,' it added, with assurances that embassy staffing and consular services remain unaffected for now.
The alerts come as Washington's intervention in Israel's war with Iran escalates regional instability. Israeli forces continued their aerial bombardment of Iranian targets on Sunday, hitting missile sites and infrastructure in Tehran, Hamedan and Kermanshah.
Iran's response has included launching long-range missiles at Israel and threatening further escalation.
Iran's UN ambassador accused the US of 'destroying diplomacy,' while other officials insisted that Iran's nuclear programme though damaged was not completely halted. 'Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, game isn't over,' wrote Ali Shamkhani, another advisor to Khamenei.
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